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Dubai has become a popular place for foreign investors and expats. In recent years changes to the law have opened up the Dubai property market to foreigners. It is now relatively straightforward to purchase property, provided that you have the finance. Seek expert advice to help you negotiate the local laws and regulations.

Determine what type of property you are interested in. Foreign buyers often choose to purchase either apartments, townhouses, or villas, which are generally located in secure complexes with communal leisure facilities such as tennis courts, swimming pools and gyms.

Since 2002, when, by royal decree, foreign nationals first became eligible to own property, Dubai has enjoyed a construction boom.

Ensure you are looking at an area in which foreigners are allowed to buy property.

Some of the most popular, luxurious and expensive developments include Emaar Towers, Jumeirah Gardens, International City and Al Hamra Village.[1]XResearch source

Start searching online. As with any property search, a good place to start is online. There are numerous agencies and estate agents that list properties in Dubai online. You can buy properties from estate agents or from property developers. Estate agents generally sell resale properties, properties that have been built and have previous owners. Developers sell off-plan properties, which may be still under-construction.[2]XResearch source

Contact specialist agents. If you want help with your search, and want to talk to someone with specialist knowledge about the property market in Dubai, it’s best to employ an estate agent to work with. Estate agents can help you find properties and explain your options to you. Big real estate companies will be used to dealing with foreign buyers and will speak English.

Laws and regulations can change quickly in Dubai, so hiring an agent will help you avoid any potential pitfalls.[3]XResearch source

Usually if you hire an Estate Agent, you can expect to pay a fee of between 2% and 5% of the value of the property.[4]XResearch source

You should always check the credentials of anybody you hire. The regulatory body for Real Estate in Dubai is the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA).[5]XTrustworthy SourceOfficial UK government websiteOfficial website for the public sector of the UK governmentGo to source

Attend property fairs. The property market in Dubai is still relatively young, although growing fast. As a result, a significant amount of property bought by foreigners is bought from developers who may not have built the development yet. Property fairs are a popular way for developers to present their work and meet potential buyers. These property fairs are held all over the world, so look for one visiting a city near you.

You should always check that the developer you are considering is registered and licensed with the RERA.[6]XTrustworthy SourceOfficial UK government websiteOfficial website for the public sector of the UK governmentGo to source

Visit Dubai. Before you think about making a move for a property be sure that you have spent a little time in Dubai. If you are buying a resale property ensure that you view as many properties as you can, and ask the same questions you would ask if you were buying property anywhere else in the world.

If you are buying off-plan or construction is not complete, make sure you go to see similar properties by the same developer that are finished.[7]XResearch source

When you are in Dubai, you will also have access to paper listings in specialist local newspapers and magazines, and be able to attend the property fairs that continue all year.

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Part 1 Quiz

How can property fairs help you buy property in Dubai?

They can connect you with estate agents.

Not quite! You may meet estate agents at a property fair, but they aren’t the main attraction here. You attend a property fair for a more important reason. Choose another answer!

They can supply you with contacts with the Real Estate Regulatory Agency.

Nope! You probably won’t be dealing directly with the RERA. It’s best to let your estate agent handle dealings with regulators, as they understand the laws better. Try again...

They can give you a chance to meet developers.

Correct! This is where developers show off their work, which often is not completed yet. The market in Dubai is still quite new, relatively speaking, so connecting with developers at project fairs is the most common way to get into owning property here. Read on for another quiz question.

They can give you a crash course in Dubai’s real estate laws.

Not exactly! Property fairs aren’t there to instruct you on the ins and outs of every real estate regulation in Dubai. It’s best to leave that to those who are familiar with them professionally, like your estate agent and the developers. There’s a better option out there!

Have the required ID and visa documents. Since a change to the law in 2002, it has become much more straightforward for foreigners to buy and rent property in Dubai. You will, however, still need to present a valid passport to prove your identity. You are not required to hold any type of residency permit in order to buy property, but assuming you want to stay there you will have to take care of this.[8]XResearch source

The UEA government has a six month visa for property buyers, called the “Property Holders Visa.”

This allows foreign investors to stay in Dubai for six months while they investigate investments.

To qualify for this, the property you buy must have a value greater than 1 million dirham, which equates to around $272,000.

You must be buying as an individual, not as a company.[9]XTrustworthy SourceOfficial UK government websiteOfficial website for the public sector of the UK governmentGo to source

Determine the full costs. You need to be certain that you can afford the property and meet all of the costs attached to the purchase. When you are determining the overall cost of the property you should include the purchase price, the deposit, transfer fees, estate agent fees and the potential for currency exchange rates to fluctuate.

It is not legally necessary, but it is advisable to employ a lawyer to help you negotiate all the paperwork.

Include the costs of a lawyer in your calculations.[10]XTrustworthy SourceOfficial UK government websiteOfficial website for the public sector of the UK governmentGo to source

A new-build property will likely require a land registration fee of around 2%.

Get a mortgage in Dubai. Mortgages can be difficult to obtain in Dubai. Non-status/self-certification mortgages are not available and the amount of red tape and paperwork involved can be off-putting to those accustomed to a less rigorous system. In some cases, buyers may be required to put down between 20% and 50% of the value of the mortgage in cash.

Mortgages in Dubai are paid in monthly instalments, with 15 years mortgages the most common. Residents of India cannot mortgage their property in Dubai and raise loans. Indian residents are also not permitted to give guarantee to the loan from a non resident.

The maximum length of a Dubai mortgage plan is 25 years.

Mortgage repayments, combined with any other monthly expenses, must not exceed 35% of net monthly income.

As exchange control is a complex subject, it is advisable to obtain appropriate professional advice before deciding to take out a mortgage in a foreign currency.[11]XResearch source

Mortgage rules change often in Dubai, so try to keep up-to-date by consulting local news and the Central Bank of the UEA.

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Part 2 Quiz

Which variable is important in determining the full cost of your property investment?

Transfer fees

Close! Calculating your transfer fees is definitely important in determining your budget for your property. It’s not the only important element, though. Pick another answer!

The deposit

You’re not wrong, but there’s a better answer! The deposit is a huge chunk of the full cost in any property, though it is far from the central concern. Choose another answer!

Estate agent fees

Almost! You can’t forget the amount you pay out to your estate agent for their valuable work. Nevertheless, there are other fees and costs to weigh in addition. Try another answer...

Purchase price

You’re partially right! The sticker price is certainly the shiniest cost of all. However, it isn’t the only one you need to pay attention too! Pick another answer!

All of the above

That’s right! You need to juggle several costs and fees when determining the full cost of your property. That includes the purchase price, estate agent fees, the deposit, transfer fees, and possibly even more. For example, you may want to employ the services of a lawyer, and that’ll cost you as well. Read on for another quiz question.

Submit a reservation form. If you are buying property off-plan, the first step once you have decided on the property you want and secured all the financing, is to submit a completed reservation form. This form will summarise the basic terms and conditions of the sales agreement, including information on the payment plan, and personal information from all parties.[12]XResearch source

You will be required to submit your passport along with the reservation form.

Be aware that some developers are still selling leasehold rather than freehold titles. If this is the case, the title is valid for the period stipulated in the lease agreement.

Ensure you fully understand the details of the contract and have it checked by your lawyer.

If the property is not yet complete, make sure you know what responsibilities the developer has if it is delayed for any reason.[13]XTrustworthy SourceOfficial UK government websiteOfficial website for the public sector of the UK governmentGo to source

Pay the reservation deposit. Once the reservation document has been agreed you will have to pay the reservation deposit. The amount will be stipulated in your reservation form, but it will typically be between 5% and 15% of the purchase price. Developers will often not draw up the official sales and purchase agreement until this deposit has been paid, and will sometimes charge up to 20% or more.[14]XResearch source

When buying off-plan, you should ensure that the deposits and payments you make are paid into a RERA-approved securities account.

These payments are then transferred to the developer as the construction work is completed.[15]XResearch source

Complete a formal sales and purchase agreement. The formal and legally binding contract is the sales and purchase agreement. Make sure this documents the date by which the property should be completed, and what penalties the developer will incur if it is delayed. Have a lawyer look over the contract with you, and check all the details, terms and conditions.

If the property is supposed to be furnished, ensure that a date for when that will be done is included in the agreement.[16]XResearch source

Transfer the deeds. To complete the purchase you must transfer the deeds. This is the point at which you will be required to pay 100% of the purchase price. The deeds will not be transferred, and you will not own the property until you have paid, so you must have financing in place.

If the property has been completed, the transfer will happen at the Land Department Offices.

If it is yet to be finished, you will transfer the deeds at the developer’s office.

You will then generally be invited to inspect the property and highlight any final issues the develop needs to take care of.[17]XResearch source

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Part 3 Quiz

Why must you pay 100% of the purchase price?

To be allowed to inspect the property.

Almost! It’s true that you’ll only get to inspect the property and highlight any possible issues after you pay the purchase price. There’s a step missing in between one step and the other, though. Pick another answer!

To avoid delays in development.

Not quite! Development should continue apace regardless of whether or not you’ve paid the purchase price yet or not. Any delays in development are the responsibility of the developer, and they may be incurring fees for them, depending on your agreement. There’s a better option out there!

To complete transfer of the deeds.

Right! You won’t be able to get your hands on the deeds until you show you have financing in place to pay for the purchase price. You don’t own the property until this crucial step, so secure a credit line as soon as possible. Read on for another quiz question.

To guarantee the property’s furnishment.

Nope! Not every agreement will include furnishing of the property. That’s dependent on the particular contract you sign with the developer. Try again...

Make a Memorandum of Understanding. To purchase resale property in Dubai you must agree terms with the seller, and record this in a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This is a basic document that outlines the terms and conditions, including the date of the final purchase. It is not legally binding, but is a necessary first step to buying resale property.[18]XResearch source

Pay the initial deposit. Once the MOU is signed, the purchaser will have to pay the deposit, typically around 10% of the purchase price.[19]XResearch source This deposit is normally non-refundable, unless there is a particular reason why the seller is unable to bring the transaction forward.

At this point you will also have to pay the real estate commission, normally between 2% and 5%.

Obtain the deeds. Once you have an agreement and financing in place, you can move on and complete the purchase. As an expat you will be required to pay 100% of the purchase price before the deeds are transferred, just as if you were buying an off-plan development. To do this, you may need to attend an appointment at the Land Department and present all the paperwork.

The buyer, the real estate agent, and a somebody from the bank that is financing the purchase may all be required to attend the meeting at the Land Department.[20]XResearch source

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Part 4 Quiz

How might you get your deposit refunded?

When you pay off your purchase.

Nope! Unlike similar scenarios, you won’t get your deposit back after paying off your property. There’s only a specific scenario in which this happens. Guess again!

When you make and fulfill a Memorandum of Understanding.

Not quite! The MOU just outlines an agreement by when you’ll make the purchase. It’s non-binding, and fulfilling it or not has no bearing on whether or not you get your deposit. Choose another answer!

When you pay 100% of the purchase price.

Definitely not! Paying 100% of the purchase price is mandatory for foreign nationals in Dubai before transferring deeds. This doesn’t get you your deposit back. Guess again!

When the seller cannot continue the transaction.

Exactly! There are few scenarios in which you’ll see your deposit refunded to you. They pretty much all depend on there being a particular reason the seller cannot move forward with selling you the property. Otherwise, you won’t be seeing that deposit money again, so don’t count on it. Read on for another quiz question.

I am going to buy a property under my son's name who is 17 years old. What is the procedure for it both off plan and completed property?

Arun Raj G.S

Community Answer

For off plan property you should have a valid residency in the country. Since you are looking to register it under your son's name, He should also have a valid visa. It's not clear whether you are looking for a mortgage. The best way is to get assistance from a property agent who can work from the buyer's side. PropertyMe.ae is a good buyer's agent who can assist you in the mortgage and legal side of buying the property in U.A.E.

Yes, you can buy a property in Dubai with few conditions in place. The type of the property and few other regulations would be there. Try to get in touch with any buyer's agent, who can give you a better idea.

About This Article

Co-Authored By:

wikiHow Staff Editor

This article was co-authored by our trained team of editors and researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. Together, they cited information from 20 references. wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article meets our high standards.

If you want to buy property in Dubai, but you live in another country, you will need to obtain a passport from your country. If you’re planning to purchase a property that’s at least 1 million dirham, or about $272,000 USD, you want to stay in Dubai while you look for properties, you will also need a “Property Holders Visa” from the UEA government. When you’re calculating your total cost for the property, be sure to include the purchase price, the deposit, transfer fees, estate agent fees, and currency exchange rates. For tips on finding properties to buy, read on!